While we wait with bated breath does anyone have any personal experience of these watches? While they do not appeal to me per se (too chunky!) I am fascinated by the detail that has gone into their design and I am also fascinated by their rather enigmatic founder Giles Ellis who, like Bremont, is at the heart of the phoenix like rise of the British horological movement. They also produce a rather fancy line in straps and gentleman's accoutrements!

Gavin

richslaney

07-19-2014, 03:12 AM

How bizzare, I've just been looking at them today myself and i do rather fancy one.

Anyone on this forum got any experience of them?

rich

07-19-2014, 07:03 AM

There is a guy on this forum "lloyd_m" who has a signalman... might be worth a PM.

Sunray02

07-19-2014, 08:56 AM

Many thanks Richard. For those of you unfamiliar with the brand : http://schofieldwatchcompany.com/

Gavin

Mark B

07-19-2014, 03:00 PM

I have a Signalman in our inventory. It appears to be a well made timepiece. Nice finish work and beautiful dial. The chimney on the case is rather tall, but it provides for an interesting wrist presence. The 24 hour subdial and the power reserve indicator are nice complications. The leather strap is very well made.

Ceeker

07-20-2014, 09:37 PM

I think they are a fascinating company. A ‘lifestyle brand.'And as Sunray02 says they have a very enigmatic founder. Their straps are superb. The Blacklamp watch is something else as well. Very innovative.

richslaney

07-22-2014, 01:20 AM

I sent them an email today with some questions and Giles (company owner) phoned me and chatted for a good 25 mins.
Really nice guy and very passionate. I must admit they seem like a great company to work with and has a goal of producing innovative watches to high levels of finish and detail. Watches he personally wants to own and wear. Refreshing to hear him talk about and not shy away from the fact the polished case will get tiny scratches but will still remain shiny and look fantastic. Nice to hear people appreciating the history of the scratches and battle scars instead of people always banging on about how close the finish is to 100% making you fear wearing your watch. He says most of his clients refuse a re polish on service.

He's happy to be a lower volume, bespoke watch manufacturer and respects his peers and had lovely things to say about Bremont. Says how awesome it is that an owner of a Bremont would also like a Schofield in their collection.

His new simpler model 'The Beater' coming in a November also sounds wonderful and will even come in an option of a bronze case with a lovely patina and enamelled dials which sounds gorgeous. I love the idea of that as it will literally age and change day by day, season by season. Unusually they are also going to do a blued Stainless Steel too.

I'm excited about them and I'm really considering a polished signalman to be a brother to my U2 DLC.

Sunray02

07-22-2014, 05:46 PM

Hi Rich

Amazing that you got a call from Giles himself, bodes well for his level of customer service. It will be interesting to see what his 'Beater' will be like when it arrives later in the year. If you do get a Signalman please keep us posted!!

Gavin

Vig2000

07-24-2014, 02:15 AM

I do own a Signalman, and I love it. It is a great watch, and is definitely a piece that grabs attention. I get complimented on it all the time. I initially purchased the polished version, but then subsequently had it professionally DLCed. I can understand that those who own the polished version may appreciate the "battle scars" gained on the high mirror finish, but being the very anal WIS I am, that just pained me. Besides, the deep, matte black DLC combined with the matte black dial allows for a very stealthy and sleek profile, which adds even more allure and intrigue to the piece.

I personally love its size, which is 44mm x 15mm. Is it chunky? Maybe a little, but I couldn't imagine the watch any other way. Its uniquely shaped case is what gives the watch character, depth, and definition. I wouldn't change a thing about it.

Schofield actually ran a contest earlier this year, and the prize was their very last DLC version of the Signalman, which is a limited edition of only 100 pieces and never to be produced again. What watch brand would actually offer to give away one of their watches? There aren't too many out there.

Also, Giles is personally great to deal with. He's such a nice person and is truly 100% invested in his company, wanting to do right by his customers. Schofield is still a young company/brand, but they are gradually establishing themselves. I know that Schofield and Bremont respect each other, and they both have good things to say about the other. Schofield is more than a watch company, though, and they also manufacture other goods, such as their amazing straps and knives. A word on their straps: They truly are some of the most high quality straps I've ever handled. Among the many straps they offer, I have four of them for my Signalman (I plan on adding more), and aside from the high quality, each strap is unique and gives the Signalman a truly distinctive look.

I am anxiously awaiting the unveiling of the Beater. It promises to be a more affordable offering than its predecessors. Schofield is definitely worth keeping an eye on, and I anticipate big things for Giles and his brand. And now, some pictures of my Signalman for your viewing pleasure:

I would love to own a Schofield watch - the DLC being no longer available my next best option would be the new bronze Beater. Not certain what my next watch will be but it will either be this or an ALT1-C in cream.

Gavin

Vig2000

02-13-2015, 04:33 PM

I would love to own a Schofield watch - the DLC being no longer available my next best option would be the new bronze Beater. Not certain what my next watch will be but it will either be this or an ALT1-C in cream.

a bit off topic to this but I am just curious if either of you gave any thought on a Pinion watch? I have been tempted by the Axis Pure of late but I dont think I know of anyone who has ever purchased a Pinion yet. Would love to know more about their impression of it, quality, overall size etc... I know we have all agreed in the past that the price is a bit steep but that aside I really like the look and design of the Pure model.

RedsBluesGreens

02-13-2015, 06:27 PM

I was talking directly to Piers the other day - there will be a few events coming up for UK based people to get to know Piers and Pinion better. Being honest, I know of two Pinion owners, and they're both impressed.

mbuck

02-13-2015, 06:51 PM

I too am looking at either the polished Signalman or Bronze Beater. How does it wear on the wrist? My wrist is 6.75 and by comparison my Terra Nova fits good and is comfortable. I am also considering the polished ALT1. Love that watch.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Vig2000

02-13-2015, 07:07 PM

a bit off topic to this but I am just curious if either of you gave any thought on a Pinion watch? I have been tempted by the Axis Pure of late but I dont think I know of anyone who has ever purchased a Pinion yet. Would love to know more about their impression of it, quality, overall size etc... I know we have all agreed in the past that the price is a bit steep but that aside I really like the look and design of the Pure model.

I was so close to pulling the trigger on a Pinion Revival 1969 (http://alt1tude.bremont.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2265) last year, but I personally could not justify its price point so I ultimately decided to pass, especially given the fact that the brand is still in its infancy. They're definitely great looking watches for sure, but I will give it some time before investing in one of Piers' watches.

I too am looking at either the polished Signalman or Bronze Beater. How does it wear on the wrist? My wrist is 6.75 and by comparison my Terra Nova fits good and is comfortable. I am also considering the polished ALT1. Love that watch.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I too have a 6.75 inch wrist and my Signalman wears perfectly in my opinion. Some have complained that the watch is too tall, but as I've said before, for the sake of the watch's unique design and aesthetic, the dimensions, including its height, are perfect.

The PW is absolutely amazing. I was patiently waiting for the day that Bremont would release a more dressy piece (aside from the Victory and RG ALT1-C), and they hit the nail right on the head with the PW. I was actually away from the Bremont brand for a while due to a variety of reasons, but once the PW was released, I had to have it. I couldn't recommend this watch anymore than I do now, and if I were you, I would definitely get it.

RedsBluesGreens

02-13-2015, 07:26 PM

They've done better than Meridian Watches, who launched at SalonQP a few years ago (2011, maybe?)

Gavin: you may remember them?

Sunray02

02-13-2015, 07:32 PM

I barely remember them, from 2012 I think, this is their website, does not do anything for me!

http://www.meridian-watchmakers.com/the%20collection.html

Gavin

RedsBluesGreens

02-13-2015, 07:35 PM

I think they've rebranded now, but the name escapes me..

mbuck

02-13-2015, 07:39 PM

Vig2000, thanks for the comments.

jwalker9

02-13-2015, 08:23 PM

I think they've rebranded now, but the name escapes me..

Meridian is now Garrick. They've only got one model out right now, but I prefer it to the Meridian products.

RedsBluesGreens

02-13-2015, 08:38 PM

Meridian is now Garrick. They've only got one model out right now, but I prefer it to the Meridian products.

That's it. Just found their Twitter account.

Vig2000

02-13-2015, 08:39 PM

Vig2000, thanks for the comments.

No problem.

Meridian is now Garrick. They've only got one model out right now, but I prefer it to the Meridian products.

Interesting, I did not know that Meridian is now Garrick; I thought Garrick was a separate brand. Do you know if Meridian will still continue to function as a brand?

RedsBluesGreens

02-13-2015, 08:40 PM

I did not know that Meridian is now Garrick; I thought Garrick was a separate brand. Do you know if Meridian will still continue to function as a brand?

No-one seems to know. From what I gather, they're now no longer a brand. Willing to be corrected, though, and could well be wrong.

jwalker9

02-13-2015, 08:46 PM

No-one seems to know. From what I gather, they're now no longer a brand. Willing to be corrected, though, and could well be wrong.

This is my take on it as well. Same watch builders under a new chief of command from what I understand.

NUFC1

02-14-2015, 10:56 AM

Invested in a Signalman at Christmas and got to say I'm impressed, first watch I've had with a power reserve complication and love this feature.